Get ready for the thrilling new ride at Universal Studios Hollywood

In the Transformers movies, the Earth’s population finds itself caught in the middle of an intergalactic power struggle between two groups of alien robots — the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, both of which have the power to physically convert from such common mechanical devices as cars, trucks and planes into robotic warriors.

On May 25, Universal Studios Hollywood will officially debut a thrilling conversion of its own: the transformation of this riveting film franchise into a white-knuckle motion-thrill ride that will drop fans smack-dab into the middle of the action.

Transformers: The Ride — 3D will feature seamless integration of CGI and robotics, as well as one of the most elaborate roaming flight simulator ride systems ever designed. The ambitious mega-attraction tells an original story, developed in collaboration with Michael Bay, the director of all three Transformers movies. The ride’s pioneering, photo-realistic, 3-D effects are being created by Industrial Light & Magic, the Oscar-winning special-effects force behind such acclaimed films as Avatar, Iron Man and Star Wars.

That’s an impressive pedigree, but Universal hasn’t stopped there. Borrowing a page from Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the signature attraction at Universal Orlando Resort’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the ride’s designers have stretched the guest experience far beyond the actual ride by incorporating 20-30 minutes of dynamic storytelling into the queuing line.

Fans will have to wait just a few more weeks to experience the finished attraction. Until then, the latest Transformers movie, Transformers: Dark of the Moon will have to do. Or maybe the video below from Universal Studios will get you psyched!